Alves set for Boro exit

Middlesbrough's record signing Afonso Alves is set to end his stay with the club, skysports.com understands.

By Graeme Bailey

Last Updated: 05/08/09 5:18pm

Middlesbrough's record signing Afonso Alves is set to end his stay with the club, skysports.com understands.

Stewart Downing and Mido are the only big name departures from The Riverside this summer, but Boro are understood to be expecting a number of other departures before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

Whilst the likes of Tuncay Sanli, Jeremie Aliadiere and Robert Huth continue to be linked with moves, Alves is set to be the next player to depart.

And skysports.com understands that the 28-year-old Brazilian international is wanted by clubs in France and Qatar, but a move to the Middle East looks the most likely.

Al-Ahli are believed to have lodged a bid for Alves and have opened talks with the player's representatives.

Monaco are also thought to be keen, but they cannot offer the same terms as Al-Ahli.

But with interest now mounting, Boro are expecting Alves to be offloaded within the next week - even possibly before Friday when they begin their Championship campaign against Sheffield United, which you can see live on Sky Sports 1.